Fostering saves lives

When you foster an animal, you become part of a lifesaving team working to create a bright future for homeless pets in Houston and around the country.

Because we embrace community-based sheltering, our foster volunteers are essential to lifesaving success in Houston. These amazing volunteers provide temporary homes to cats and dogs until they’re ready to be adopted.

By fostering a pet — providing love and care while an animal waits to be adopted — you’re helping to prepare that animal for life in a home and alleviating the burden on shelters in Houston.

Fostering is an easy, short-term, hands-on way to make a lifetime of difference. When you open your home and heart to a dog, cat, puppy or kitten, Best Friends will provide everything you need, including food, supplies, support and medical care, to ensure that your foster pet’s stay is a happy and healthy one.

View Available Foster Pets

What to expect

Fostering is an incredibly fun, fulfilling and personal way to help save homeless pets in Houston.

Your fostering stint could be as short as a night or a weekend or it could last several weeks or months. Either way, Best Friends provides everything you’ll need to care for your foster pet.

Once you’ve filled out your application, you will receive an automated email with details about fostering opportunities and sign-up instructions. You’ll be asked to complete an online orientation (lasting 15-20 minutes), which includes creating a volunteer profile, watching a video and digitally signing accompanying forms.

You have to be 18 to sign up to be a foster volunteer. Please contact us directly with any questions at houstonfoster@bestfriends.org.

If you have pets of your own at home, please let us know so that we can ensure the right foster pet fit for your family.

Pets needing fostering

What kinds of animals typically need fostering? Dogs and cats of all ages, personality types and care levels.

Some of the animals most in need of fostering are those requiring a little extra TLC or training, as well as shy pets who are still learning to trust and feel more comfortable in a new environment.

We want both pets and people to have a positive fostering experience. That’s why we consider your schedule and lifestyle and strive to match you with a pet who will thrive in your home.

View Available Foster Pets